JOHANNESBURG – South African hip-hop pioneer ProKid has died aged 37, his family announced on Thursday.

The multiple award-winning star, real name Linda Mkhize, died on Wednesday night following a seizure.

“He passed away on Wednesday‚ August 8‚ 2018. He suffered a severe seizure attack‚ whilst visiting friends and paramedics were called in to assist‚ they did their best to revive him to no avail and called his time of death at 20.38PM‚” the family aid in a statement.

The statement went on to add that ProKid’s family requested privacy as they tried to process the tragedy.

“Further details will be furnished as soon as his family has gathered.”

ProKid‚ who was considered to be one of the “pioneers” of hip-hop in SA will be remembered to his contribution to the industry and for hits such as Ghetto Science and Uthini Ngo Pro.

Meanwhile‚ thousands of fans and fellow musicians have filled Twitter with heartfelt tributes in ProKid’s honour.

“There would be no charts to top, no deals to sign, no tours no nothing without Linda Mkhize and what he did for this industry and that’s the shit we got caught up in, too busy with our own nonsense to reach out to our own big brother and talk to him, sit with him. Appreciate him,” rapper AKA wrote on Twitter.

He was “one of the greatest to ever do it”, AKA said in another tweet, before sharing his regrets.

“I had all the opportunities to reach out, and make music with him … I kept delaying, kept getting caught up in whatever stupid shit I was doing … now he’s gone, forever. Shit is crazy,” AKA said ruefully.

https://twitter.com/Rich_Mahog/status/1027329491595657222

Kalawa Jazmee boss and kwaito star Oskido described ProKid as a “game changer”.

“Prokid paved a way for Kasi rappers and took SA Hip Hop to the top. He left giant footsteps that will live forever. Uthini Ngo Pro? The real game changer,” he tweeted.

https://twitter.com/akaworldwide/status/1027325082392309761

ProVerb, another of the hip-hop pioneers in South Africa, said: “My brother I wish you safe passage into heaven. You were indeed a pioneer, a legend and one incredible Emcee. For the record I never considered you a ProKid but rather a ProKing!”